You could say i have had alot of bad luck. I first injured my back at the age of 14. This was whilst working as a care assistant. I had to have my first spinal surgery in 01. The operation was a partial discectomy. It worked for about six months. I then spent most days in agony and was finally seen by a neurosurgeon at the beginning of 04. I was diagnosed with 3 slipped dics at the level of L3, L4 and L5. In May i had to undergo major surgery consisting of six pedigrew screws being put in my back to stabilize my spine.

One wk after dishcharge i was back in hospital with a infection, i was kept in for a week. Then the beginning of June 04 i managed to attend my sisters wedding although i was still very ill and had gone from a size 14 to a size 6-8 in less than 5wks. One wk later i was rushed to hospital because i was so ill. I was diagnosed with acute MRSA. I had to have surgery to remove the metalwork and necrotic tissue. I also had to be attached to a vacum pump. I fought for my life and finally went home 12wks later. Since then i have had to endure a further two debriments.

I am now a paraplegic. I am also a surviver of multiple DVt's and PE's. Not only that but i am a single parent to 3 children aged 10, 11 and 12. The 11yr old is autistic, epileptic and has learning delay and a mental age of 7. All 3 have a type of arthritis. Life is very hard but i am stubborn, i am a fighter, i am a surviver!

Email Michelle